Billionaire Alpha 2: (A Bad Boy Billionaire Novel) Page 12

  “Let it go. Fuck,” Bethany grumbled under her breath as she walked down the stark-white hospital corridor. Jake’s room was on the left at the end of the hall, his name on the door making things easier. The loud beeping of machines could be heard as she approached, and she paused outside the door with her hand on it, letting out a long breath before walking in.

  Jake was sitting up in the bed, his skin pasty and pale, but he was alive.

  “Oh my God.” She rushed toward the bed as a nurse held up her hand.

  “No touching him. He’s not healed up just yet and I’m not putting him through another thing. Boy’s been through enough!”

  Bethany stilled near the edge of the bed and reached out, taking his hand as tears filled her eyes. “I’m so sorry. Please forgive me…”

  His voice was weak, his smile barely lifting his mouth. “It’s not your fault, Bethany. I’m just glad I was able to fight her off some.”

  “I’m still in shock that any of this happened.”

  “Me too.” Jake squeezed her hand before laying back and closing his eyes. “This new guy… He’s good for you? He’s a solid dude?”

  “Yes. He’s a good man. He’s got some hang-ups, but nothing any worse than one of us.”

  Jake opened his eyes and tilted his head, the worry in his gaze so familiar it pushed her to move closer as her tears spilled onto her cheeks.

  “Be careful. I know we can’t base everything on this situation with Krista, and I don’t want us to, but be careful. It’s hard to know someone if they don’t want you to, or at least parts of them.”

  She reached out and brushed his blond hair from his eyes. “Don’t worry about me. Just rest. Damon has been here with me to visit you every day for the last week. I will be careful, but I’m learning more and more about him every day.”

  “And you love him?”

  “Very much so.”

  “Does he love you?” Jake winced as the nurse poked at him under the covers from the opposite side of the bed.

  “I think so. He’s scared to say it though.”

  “But he shows it? Words mean nothing without the backing of action and affirmation.”

  “He does.”

  “Good. Tell him if he hurts you that I’ll kick his ass.”

  Bethany laughed, not having the heart to tell Jake that there was no way he would take Damon in a fight. Her best friend was too beat up, too broken and scarred to do anything but lift him up.

  “I will tell him and I wouldn’t put it past you.” She leaned over and kissed his forehead as he slipped into sleep, his breathing deep and peaceful.

  Chapter 4

  Bethany got home around four and decided on a quick nap before everyone was scheduled to arrive for dinner. She wasn’t much in the mood for company after seeing Jake bruised and laid up in the hospital, but they had advertisements to review and final plans for the wedding trip to make. Laying in the comfort of her bed, she finally gave herself over to the need for rest and slipped into the welcoming arms of darkness.

  “Beth, baby…” Damon’s voice pulled at her. She tried to sit up, but he tightened his arms around her, the handsome thing laying behind her in the bed and spooning her. He pressed a kiss to the side of her neck and brushed his hand down her outer thigh. “You awake?”

  “Yeah. I didn’t mean to fall asleep, or maybe I did. What time is it?” She curled up further and snuggled back against him.

  “It’s almost seven.”

  “Seven? Shit.” She pulled from him and slid off the side of the bed. “I need to get ready. I was hoping to take a shower.”

  “There is no reason to hurry, baby. Just get ready and come out when you can. We’re just putting out snacks to hold us over until dinner is ready.”

  Bethany pulled her shirt over her head quickly and slipped out of her slacks, walking toward her closet as she spoke over her shoulder. “Is everyone already here?”

  Damon moved into the closet behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and leaning down to kiss her shoulder. “Yeah, but they can wait.”

  She swatted at him playfully. “You had me earlier today. Don’t make us late and have this Erica chick thinking I have no respect for other people’s time.”

  “She’s not going to think that. She’s a bitch at the office, but when you get her alone, she’s just like the rest of us.”

  “Get her alone?” Bethany turned and slid her arms around his waist as her lip turned up in a smirk. “Have you had her alone a lot?”

  “That you’re jealous is almost cute.” He leaned down and brushed his lips past hers as he ran his hands down her back to cup her butt. “I want more of you. Let’s fuck first and then join them later.”

  She laughed and pushed him back softly. “Love how you avoided the getting Erica alone question.”

  He popped her butt and walked out of the closet, messing with himself from what she could tell. It was nice to know that she could turn him on without even trying.

  “There is nothing to talk about. She’s nothing but a business partner to me. She has a thing for Matt, which I think I mentioned.”

  “A thing?” Bethany called out as she tugged a cream-colored blouse from a hanger and pulled it over her head. She slipped into a nicer pair of jeans and left her feet bare. Her mother must have been shopping on Kent’s dime by the look of a few new things hanging in her closet.

  “Yeah. She’s a creative type person, remember? Matthew is too. I think she would move in quickly if he even remotely showed interest in her.”

  “He’s not interested?”

  “Nope. He’s scared to death of her.”

  “Why?” Bethany walked out as Damon bit his lip and shook his head.

  “Not sure. Ask him.” He moved toward her and wrapped his arms back around her. “Fuck woman, you turn me on no matter what you’re wearing.”

  “That’s because you know what’s beneath my clothes and that it all belongs to you.”

  “Damn straight.” He slid his hand in her hair, his fingers pressing gently to the base of her head as he tilted her face toward him. “I’m looking forward to this trip. It’s been a long time since I’ve wanted to go somewhere. It’s lonely going without someone to share it with.”

  “I find it hard to believe someone as gorgeous as you would have to do anything alone.”

  “It’s not about looks, Beth. It’s about trusting someone enough to let them into your world.”

  “Are you letting me in?”

  “I’m not sure I have any other option but to.”

  She lifted up and pressed her lips to his, tilting her head to the side and opening her mouth as his tongue slid against hers. She groaned and tightened her arms around him as she sucked at his offering, something deep inside of her waking up. She wanted to drop to her knees in front of him, to feel his hands tighten in her hair, to taste his pleasure on her tongue. She broke the kiss, breathing a little harder thanks to the depravity of her thoughts.

  His eyes sparkled with desire. It took her breath away.

  “What are you thinking, you bad girl?”

  “I was thinking how badly I want to lick your balls, suck your cock… Press my face against the most intimate parts of you and let the scent that belongs only to you become etched across my senses.” She leaned up and kissed him softly as he stared deadpan at her. “Just a desire that keeps haunting me.”

  “We should explore this.” He reached for her as she turned and ran to the door. A soft yelp left her as he charged after her. “Beth… Now. Now!”

  Bethany slowed just before walking into the kitchen, heat burning her cheeks from her forward response. A smile lifted her lips, leaving her feeling so beyond blessed. Her mother turned as she stood with Erica, Matt and Kent.

  “There you are. We were starting to worry.” Her mother smiled.

  Matt walked toward her and pulled her into a big bear hug as Damon rounded the corner and moved to open a bottle of wine. “There’s Sleeping Beauty. Damon a
nd Dad working you too hard at the office?”

  “They are slave drivers.” Bethany laughed and walked toward the large platter of crudité. She picked up a carrot and dipped it in the creamy ranch sauce as Erica responded.

  “Man, I remember when I started working for these two years ago. I took more naps than I care to remember.” She smiled and Bethany returned the gesture. “I would honestly go home feeling like my brain was bruised.”

  “That’s because you’re creative and they aren’t. Like trying to teach calculus to Michelangelo.” Matt joined in and moved to take the bottle of wine from Damon. “Give me that. Check on the steaks.”

  “Are you guys cooking tonight?” Bethany asked, looking at Damon.

  “We are. Be very scared. Dad gave everyone the night off. He does that from time to time. It’s healthy for them and us.” Damon nodded toward Kent, who had remained quiet until then.

  “Yeah… That’s great. Let’s talk about the trip. The planner in me is crawling up the walls. I know we have the hotels and airlines booked, but are you guys wanting to have the ceremony at night on the beach or during the day in the hotel or what?”

  “Let’s get the platter and wine and go out on the porch and talk. I’ll turn on the fans and bring the booze. You guys get the food.” Damon nodded toward them, winking at Bethany.

  She grabbed the veggie tray and followed behind him, her eyes moving across his back and rear. The dark blue shirt he wore looked good on him, and his slacks hugged the beautiful swell of his ass. He was beyond gorgeous. Why he would waste his time with someone like her was still a mystery. His response in the bedroom about wanting to trust someone left her lost in thought. He was letting her in, of that she was sure. He didn’t have a choice from what he had said. Did that mean that he loved her too? Had to… Then why not tell her?

  “I actually called the hotel last week and the ceremony is on Saturday afternoon at five or so. It’s when the sun is setting, so they will set everything up and have us in the hotel about an hour before sunset. As it begins they’ll usher us out there,” Matt spoke up, moving back to hold the door for everyone.

  “You’re so good, Matt,” Erica responded as she moved just behind Bethany.

  “I try.” Matt walked toward Bethany and reached for the tray as everyone started to set up the table, his cheeks colored pink. “Give me that, Sis.”

  “She’s cute,” Bethany whispered and motioned toward Erica.

  “She’s scary as fuck.” He laughed, his voice nothing more than a whisper as well.

  “You and I are talking more about this in Jamaica.”

  “Yeah, well Dad invited her to come with us.”

  Bethany turned toward everyone, a little surprised by Matt’s words. “Who all is going with us to Jamaica?”

  “All of us here actually.” Kent smiled and pulled Bethany’s mother in for a side hug, leaning down and kissing the top of her hair.

  “Oh, nice. Erica you’re coming with us? I wasn’t sure Dad could convince you.” Damon moved toward Bethany, stopping just beside her.

  “It was Matt who convinced me actually. You know, I’ve been after him to come and join me at the firm. We thought this would be a good time to go over his portfolio and for me to liquor him up enough to get him to say yes.” Erica smiled, shifting her eyes toward Matt. Bethany glanced at her almost stepbrother as he shrugged bashfully.

  “I’ll watch the steaks.” He walked toward the grill as everyone chuckled. Matt was so different from Kent and Damon, and yet was every bit as handsome and attention grabbing. Bethany looked forward to getting him alone on the trip to find out more about the situation regarding him and Erica. The beginning of something was there, but what… She didn’t know.

  “Well, before we get farther into the night… I have an announcement to make.” Damon spoke up and everyone turned toward him. Butterflies began to move in Bethany’s stomach at the authority in his voice. He glanced toward her and winked, confusing her a bit, but she was too intrigued by him to be concerned with it.

  “I know this might not go over well, but I don’t care. You guys know me and the one thing I hate is secrets or lies.” He paused and everyone’s expression softened. Bethany let her eyes move around the crowd as she crossed her arms over her chest.

  What was he doing?

  Damon moved toward Bethany, pulling her into a side hug and smiling down at her before looking toward his father and her mother. “I know the two of you have found something special in each other and I’m thrilled. My father deserves a good woman and I have no doubt that he’s found the best one for him. We will be a family at the end of this weekend, but I need to be very transparent with both of you, and with you, Matt. Bethany and I have been seeing each other for the last little while and I’m in love with her. I haven’t ever been in love before and I know this is a bit of an off situation, but I’m asking you, as my family, to accept it. If you’re not willing to… Then count me out of whatever the future holds.”

  Damon looked down at Bethany as she choked on both fear and pride that he would step up in front of their family and claim her as his. “I’m not willing to choose a future that she’s not my better half in.”

  He turned back to look at his father. “Do you understand?”

  Chapter 5

  “We already knew,” Bethany’s mom responded softly. “We fully support what’s happening between the two of you and have seen changes in each of you that leave us breathless. We can’t speak for Matt, but we knew this moment was coming.”

  Bethany tucked herself into Damon’s side, some part of her wanting to disappear as tears began to streak down her face.

  “I love you both and you know that. I figured something was up the night you treated me like the fucking pool boy and sent me to fetch shit left and right so you could make out while I was gone.” Matt laughed loudly, everyone else joining in but Bethany.

  “Are you sure you’re not disappointed?” Bethany spoke up, her voice broken with emotion.

  “No, baby. I couldn’t be more proud of the woman you’re becoming. Damon is family by marriage, and the way you two look at each other thrills me as your mom.”

  Bethany moved away from Damon and walked to her mom, slipping into the warmth of her hug and letting herself cry a little. Kent patted her back and pulled her into a warm hug too.

  “We are going to have to change your title from intern though. The uprising has begun at work thanks to the lovely upgrade you got.” Kent laughed and Bethany joined him.

  “There has been a uprising since day one. Damon has every female in that place in fits, especially the interns.” Bethany moved back to Damon’s side, slipping back into his arms as Erica spoke up.

  “Yeah, but it doesn’t matter who wants his attention. It’s you who has it.”

  “You’re the only woman that has it, now and forever.” He kissed the tip of her nose and looked back toward the crowd. “Okay… Let’s plan this trip out and get to looking at ads. I love all this sharing-shit, but making money and drinking Mai-tai’s is a close second.”

  “Did you mean what you said tonight?” Bethany moved through the water to stand in front of Damon, her fingers sliding across the silky skin of his chest. His eyes captivated her, the hunger and need, the lust and desire burning her.

  “Come here.” He reached out and pulled her flush against him. “I know you’ve been through a lot lately and I’m proud of you. At your age I would have put my hand through a wall and given up on everything.”

  “No you wouldn’t have.” Bethany smiled, but the expression faded as Damon pinned her with truth.

  “I have a lot of healing to do because of what happened with my mother. I’ll share all of it with you on the trip, when we’re away from all these familiar things.” He glanced back at the house. The strong muscles of his chest and neck flexed, the reminder of his strength sending tendrils of pleasure through the center of her. “I grew up in this house. I found her cheating on Dad here.”


  “I know, baby.” Bethany reached up and touched his cheek, turning him back toward her. “We can talk about it when you’re ready. I’m here no matter how long it takes you to heal.”

  He took her hand in his, turning to kiss her palm sensually. “I know you are. I can feel it for the first time in my life. Scares the shit out of me, but I’m ready.”

  She moved closer, lifting her legs and wrapping them around his waist. “We’ll take it slow.”

  “No… Let’s dive in deep. It’s not our style to tiptoe into anything. Let’s lay ourselves bare and trust without reservation. Jump off that cliff with me and let’s work together to hold each other above the waves as they come. I’ll support you in anything you want to do, just don’t ever lie to me. If you get tired of me or need something emotionally or sexually that I’m not giving you… You come to me. I’m your man and I want to know what you need. Promise me that you’ll talk to me if something comes up.”

  “Nothing is going to come up. You leave me feeling like my soul is on fire and my panties are a torrential waste.” She laughed and pulled up, brushing her lips across his.

  “That’s today, baby. I’m asking for forever. Ten years from now you might not feel that way. I want you to promise me here, tonight, that you’ll speak up. I don’t want to invest my whole heart and be left broken years from now.” He touched the side of her face softly, the man staring at her a new layer to him.

  “I promise you that I will always be straightforward and honest. If something comes up or I’m feeling lonely, angry, upset… Whatever, I’ll talk to you. I want us to work. I know that without a doubt. I need you in my life, Damon.” She rolled her hips, the thick press of his erection sparking to life just how much she needed him. “I want you inside of me.”

  “I need to be inside of you, baby.” He pressed his lips to the side of her neck, his teeth digging in slightly as she groaned. Everyone had gone home or to bed and it was just the two of them. The moonlight cast a blue shadow across the pool, making everything feel so much more dramatic.